What Causes Skin Hyperpigmentation: 7 Contributing Factors

Skin hyperpigmentation is a dermatological disorder which causes dark spots on the face, hands, and other highly visible body parts. In severe cases, age spots, liver spots, freckles, sun spots, and melasma, may also appear on the skin. The pigment responsible for hyperpigmentation is called Melanin, which, when produced in excess, can cause skin darkening. Hyperpigmentation is an easily treatable condition, provided the right skin care product is used. Melblok is one of the leading brands offering effective creams for hyperpigmentation treatment. The products are made keeping in mind different skin types and age, for maximum and quick results. If you notice dark spots on your face or neck, they could be early symptoms of skin darkening or hyperpigmentation. To treat the condition, you first need to be aware of what causes hyperpigmentation. If you are wondering what’s causing your skin darkening or patches and how to get rid of them, I bring you a list of seven common possible causes of hyperpigmentation.

1. Excess UV Exposure

Sunbathing is ideal for a fine tan, but excess exposure can damage your skin over time. UV rays can cause rashes and inflammation, which can lead to hyperpigmentation. A sunblock may help prevent tanning, but it will not shield your skin from the long-term harmful effects of UV rays of the sun.

2. Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalance is the root cause of post-pregnancy hyperpigmentation. During pregnancy, the estrogen and progesterone levels are elevated, leading to excess melanin production – which, in turn, causes hyperpigmentation. Irregular Melanin production caused by hormonal imbalance, especially in pregnant women, is also known as Melasma.

3. Allergic Reactions

Allergic reaction to certain foods such as peanuts, shellfish, and gluten can lead to skin irritation and inflammation – which is the most common cause of hyperpigmentation. Allergic reactions to some bug bites and plants such as poison ivy can also activate the melanocytic cells and cause skin inflammation. To avoid allergic reactions, you must remain cautious of what you eat.

4. Certain Medications

Certain medicines, including topical retinoids, antibiotics, anti-seizure drugs, hormone medication, non-steroidal drugs, and chemotherapeutic drugs can cause hormonal imbalances in the body. The hormonal imbalance can lead to an increase in melanocytes, leading to excess melanin production – which is the cause of skin hyperpigmentation.

5. Abrasive Treatments

The skin on our face and other visible body parts are highly sensitive and prone to damage. Abrasive Treatments such as peeling, dermabrasion, or laser can inflammation the skin, leading to excess melanin production. Improper hair removal can also trigger an inflammatory reaction, leading to skin darkening and hyperpigmentation.

6. Poor Diet

What you eat affects your skin. A lack of Vitamin B9 or folic acid in your diet can cause skin hyperpigmentation. You can consider eating foods such as dark green vegetables like broccoli and spinach, and dried legumes such as chickpeas, beans, and lentils – all of which are rich in folic acid and Vitamin B9, to help prevent hyperpigmentation.

7. Genetics

Individuals from certain racial and ethnic groups, especially with a darker skin tone, are more prone to hyperpigmentation. Darker skin means more melanin production, which ultimately causes skin darkening or hyperpigmentation. If you have a family history of hyperpigmentation, you might have a gene mutation making you more prone, which means you need to plan ahead.

Plan Ahead – Beat Skin Hyperpigmentation!

Hyperpigmentation is not a life-threatening condition, but it can cause substantial cosmetic disfigurement, becoming a psychosocial burden. Due to the limited efficacy of the available treatments, a majority of people with hyperpigmentation have not been able to successfully treat the condition. To address the problem, reputable brands such as Melblok offer highly effective treatment creams for pigmentation. If you notice any dark spots or patches, dark circles around the eyes, or skin darkening on any part of the body, you need to include effective skin pigmentation products in your daily skincare regime. Brands such as Melblok offer some of the best pigmentation creams in India, helping you achieve the desired results in a short space of time. The best approach to preventing hyperpigmentation before it develops is to start using the creams daily, along with other skincare products.